Top 10 Historic Hotels in the United States

I have always been fascinated with architecture and the history of buildings and have had the great fortune to have traveled to and visited many historic hotels over the years. Historic hotels can be found in every state in the nation and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.org is a wonderful site for gleaning state-by-state information on historic tours and other historic sites you might visit while on your vacation. One program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation is Historic Hotels.org and there you will find over two hundred historic hotels listed. To be selected for the Historic Hotels list, a hotel must be over fifty years old and must be listed or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places or otherwise have local historic significance. In order to narrow the list of fabulous hotels, I have selected my favorite top ten Historic Hotels in the United States which I have personally visited. Eight of the hotels on my top ten list are also listed in the National Trust for Historic Preservation. I did not see the Waldorf Astoria or The Homestead listed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation online, but a call to Historic Hotels did confirm their listings. Only The Drake Hotel and The Connor Hotel are not on the list but both deserve to be on the list of my top ten historic hotels for their background and unique place in history.

Hotel del Coronado - San Diego, California
Probably one of the most recognizable hotels in the world is the historic Hotel del Coronado, also known as "The Del," remembered for its colorful red-roofed turrets which appear to rise out of the Pacific Ocean. This historic hotel was originally built in 1888 and has catered to the rich and famous ever since. It is rumored that England's Edward, Prince of Wales met Wallis Simpson in 1920, which eventually led to his abdication in 1936! Listed by USA Today as one of the top 10 resorts in the world, The Del boasts a wide array of amenities including bike rental, boating, golf, sailing, surfing lessons, fitness center, spa, pool and, of course, the beautiful Pacific beach of del Coronado. The perfect spot for families, the hotel also provides child care services and has a teen lounge named Vibz and crafts for kids. The Del is a classic California Pacific coast vacation destination with historic luxury abounding. Single/Double Rooms: $325-$810; Specialty/Suites: $700-$4,900

Hotel Jerome - Aspen, Colorado
"If you haven't been to the Jerome, you haven't been to Aspen," so goes the oft quoted remark about the Hotel Jerome. If you would like to have a chance encounter with a celebrity, you might have some luck at this historic hotel, where Jack Nicholson is rumored to spend time. Since 1889, this 92 room gem has been nestled in beautiful downtown Aspen amidst the boutiques and ski slopes. The Hotel Jerome offers a fitness room and outdoor pool with a Jacuzzi; not as full of amenities as other resorts, but in Aspen most come for the outdoor recreation and ski slopes. If you are looking for the luxurious Aspen get-away, the Hotel Jerome is for you! I enjoy Aspen as much in the summer and fall as during ski season.
Single/Double Rooms: $265-$1,080; Suites: $745-$1,530

The Homestead - Hot Springs, Virginia
The beautiful and historic Homestead Resort and Spa has so many things to do, you will never leave the grounds. Built in 1766 in view of the Allegheny Mountains, this historic resort is 70 miles north of Roanoke. This resort would make a perfect vacation destination for newlyweds or entire families. In addition to the spa fed by its hot springs you will literally find something for everyone to do! This historic resort boasts the following amenities: 3 championship golf course, tennis, lawn bowling, Leadership "Ropes Course," outdoor/indoor pool, downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing, ice skating rink, horseback riding and carriage rides, Orvis endorsed trout fishing, skeet and trap, fitness center, Cascades Gorge Tour, movie theatre, and the supervised KidsClub. You can choose to dine casually or formally in ten restaurants or shop in over twenty stores. Besides all the fabulous amenities, my favorite pastime at the Homestead is having tea in the Great Hall. Be sure to experience tea and gazing the grounds rocking on the Front Porch. . Click here to see a complete menu of activities and prices. Apparently, I am not the only lover of The Homestead, as their website shows them to already be heavily booked in 2010, so be sure to plan this wonderful vacation well in advance.
Room start at $159-$500 and they have a variety of packages available.

The Renaissance Mayflower Hotel - Washington, DC
Known as the "Grand Dame of Washington, DC," the Renaissance opened its doors in 1925 and is located just four blocks from the White House. If you plan to visit Washington and take in all that the city has to offer such as the Smithsonian, you will be surrounded by as much history at the Renaissance Mayflower as you will see in all of DC. Over the years, the stately hotel has hosted many important meetings and guests that have literally changed the course of history. Every President since Coolidge has held their inaugural ball in the historic and ornate hotel. FDR is said to have crafted his inaugural address at this very location. This is a classic, luxurious hotel, well suited for the business traveler.
Double $179-$575; Suites $250-$5,000

The Waldorf Astoria - New York, New York
A living art deco museum and an official NYC landmark since 1993, The Waldorf Astoria is my favorite hotel in New York. This historic hotel was built in 1930 and occupies an entire city block between Park and Lexington and 49^th and 50^th Streets. Each room is different in this venerable hotel and it has recently been renovated to the tune of $400 million. Located in midtown Manhattan, The Waldorf Astoria is conveniently located within walking distance of the theatre district, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center and some of the world's best shopping and art galleries. Presidents and royalty have been staying at the Waldorf Astoria since its inception. The engagement party of His Serene Highness Rainier III and Miss Grace Kelly was hosted here and Senator Barack Obama was welcomed to the historic hotel after receiving the DNC's support for his presidential run in 2008. While staying here, be sure to visit the world famous Guerlain Spa and fitness center.
Waldorf Astoria Deluxe/Suites $249-$499; Towers Luxury Rooms/Historic Apts. $509-$5,300

French Lick West Baden Hotel & French Lick Springs Hotel -French Lick/West Baden, Indiana
Two of the most beautiful and historic hotels, opened in 1902 and 1901 respectively, have been recently restored to their original grandeur. Located in 65 miles south of Indianapolis and 55 miles northwest of Louisville, this resort town has hosted the famous and wealthy who came for the famous Pluto Mineral Springs and Spa. Two separate hotels just a mile apart, I have enjoyed both and simply couldn't choose between the two unique offerings. West Baden Springs Hotel is truly an architectural marvel, dubbed the "Eighth Wonder of the World" for its atrium which was the largest free-span dome until the Houston Astrodome was built. The historic hotel features six circular stories that offer incredible views of the atrium. Also architecturally significant is the two-level natatorium boasting a 12,000 square foot indoor pool and an 8,000 square foot spa. The French Lick Springs Hotel is part of the 42,000 square foot casino. If gambling is not your favorite diversion, the world-class spa, golf course, bowling alley, fitness center and hiking trails will be sure to keep you occupied.
Room and Suite rates: $149-$1,850

The Grand Hotel
The truly historic Grand Hotel on Mackinac (pronounced MACk-in-awe) Island has been a classic "up north" vacation destination since it opened in 1887. The Grand boasts the longest front porch in the world, perfect for viewing the immaculate grounds and Lake Huron. The beauty of the island is awe-inspiring as are the views of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron whose sapphire blue waters are matched in beauty by crisp blue northern Michigan skies. Very little has changed over the years, although air conditioning was added in 2007. With the perfect temperature of northern Michigan summers, air conditioning is rarely needed. Staying at this historic hotel is like taking a trip back to Victorian times where guests still arrive by boat (or plane) and tour the landscaped island on foot, bikes or horse-drawn carriage. There are no motor vehicles on the Island. At the Grand, dressing for dinner is the norm with suit and tie for the gentlemen and a dress for ladies is still required in all areas of the hotel; breakfast and dinner is includes in your room rate. While away your summer days with a plethora of diversions, including golf, tennis, swimming, horseback riding, cycling, carriage tours and the spa. Children's programs are also available. To access Mackinac Island you take a ferry from Mackinaw City (Lower Peninsula) or St. Ignace (Upper Peninsula.) I think you will find the Grand Hotel to be the perfect summer vacation for your entire family. Room rates: $235-$705.

The Brown Hotel - Louisville, Kentucky
Since 1923, southern hospitality has been the trademark of the ornate Brown Hotel. The English Renaissance architectural detail includes ceilings of hand-painted plaster relief. This genteel historic charmer was actually closed in 1971 after the death of founder Graham Brown and then reopened as the Board of Education building! Fortunately, the historic hotel was restored to its original grandeur and reopened in the 1980's. If you are planning a trip to Louisville, a stay at the gracious and historical Brown Hotel is a must.
Rate Range: $159-$650

The Drake Hotel - Chicago, Illinois
Christmas shopping on the Miracle Mile in Chicago to me is made perfect by a stay at The Drake Hotel. The Drake is one of the oldest and most classic Chicago Hotels with a Michigan Avenue address and lake views. The historic Drake is known as the British Royal's Chicago home when visiting. The venerable hotel has always been on the forefront of luxury and tradition amongst Chicago hotels. While Chicago has many stunning historic hotels, the Drake feels the most comfortable and yet prestigious. The famous red neon Drake sign lights the skyline and welcomes its guest's home for the night. Interestingly, the Drake has a Sustainability Policy to help protect the environment. Their website spells out their plan to remain as green as possible, which makes the Drake very modern and traditional at the same time.
Room and Suite Rates: $149-$2,549

The Connor Hotel - Jerome, Arizona
With none of the grandeur of the first nine historic hotels on this list, the Connor Hotel of Jerome, Arizona makes a visit to a wild west ghost town charming and fun. The Connor Hotel was originally built in 1898 and has gone from the epitome of luxury lodging to squalor and then back again. The Connor actually burned to the ground twice, but fortunately David Connor had insurance was able to rebuild the establishment. Fueled by the western mining boom, the fortunes of The Connor fluctuated with the times and the historic hotel closed its doors in 1931. When the mines closed for good in the 1950's the town of Jerome became a true ghost town. In the 60s and 70s, hippies were drawn to Jerome and The Connor reopened and existed as a flophouse in its second heyday. The old hotel closed again in the 80s only to make a comeback almost twenty years later after major renovations. The Connor has 12 uniquely decorated Victorian rooms each offering comfortable beds with down comforters, high thread count sheets and down pillows. I selected the Connor because quirky Jerome, with its population of 500, is a National Historic Landmark. Over 200,000 visitors come to see the ghost town every year. We usually visit Jerome while in Sedona, located 40 miles north of Jerome. The Grand Canyon is about an hour north and makes a great day trip when staying at the historic Connor Hotel.
12 Victorian rooms from $90-$165

Sources:
Personal Experience
Historic Hotels.org
National Trust for Historic Preservation.org